By anna stay finn



y 17, 1932- H. J. FINN Re. 18,472 1 I SUBMERGIBLE APPARATUS OriginalFiled May 2, 1928 37 a4 55 G /r 5.9

I as INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

Reiaued May 17, 1932 UNITED? STATES PATENT OFFICE HUGH J FINN, DECEASED,LATE OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, BY ANNA. HAY FINN, .AD-

MINIS'IBATRIX, OI BROOKLYN, NEW YORK summnomm urasaaros Original 1T0.1,803,528, dated or disabled and submerged vessel, such for.

example as a submarine, and including means for coupling the apparatusto the vessel, and

to place the room or compartment of saidapparatus in communication withone or more rooms or compartments of the submerged vessel, to enable thecrew of the vessel to pass from the submerged vessel into said apparatus for transmission to the surface of the body of water or to thesalvaging ship or vessel; and the object of the invention is to providean apparatus of the class specified which is constructed of sufficientstrength to withstand the pressures to which the ,same may be subjectedwhen submerged in a body of water and to the provision of means forquickly and yet firmly coupling the apparatus to a submerged vessel andfor placing the apparatus and vessel in communication, said apparatusbeing adapted to be coupled with one or more man-holeor access hatchesprovided on the hull of a Vessel; a further object being to provide anapparatus with one or more admission and discharge openings with coversfor controlling such openings, the control of the cover of one of saidopenings being accessible from the interior of the apparatus, and thecontrol of the other cover being external; a further object being toprovide the lower end portion of the apparatus with means for admittingwater thereto or to an independent tank or chamber constituting partthereof for the purpose of submerging the vessel with valves openingexternally and internally of the apparatus to control and regulate theamount of water so admitted; a further object being to provide means forcoupling a cable or otherlifting and lowering meanswith the apparatus tofacilitate the raising and lowering thereof and to aid in.

the coupling of the apparatus with the hole of the submerged vessel; astill further object being to provide means whereby necessaryelements ordevices may be placed in commu nication with the chamberof theapparatus,

Kay 5, 1881, Serial No. 274,380, filed May 2, 1828. Application-forreissue filed November 5, 1981 Serial No. 573,270.

suchfor exam 1e, as the supply of air thereto, power, lig t, telephoneconnections and the like; and with these and other objects in view, theinvention consists in an appara tus of the class and for the purposespeci' .fied, which is simple in construction, efiicient in use andwhich is constructed as hereinafter described and claimed.

Theinvention is fully disclosed in the following specification, of whichthe accompanying drawings form apart, in which the separate parts of theimprovement are designated bysuitable reference characters in each ofthe views, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic, sectional view of an apparatus made accordingto the inventiog and illustrating the method of its use; an

' Fig. 2 is a section on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1 on an enlarged scale.

The improved apparatus may be used for many purposes in connection withunder water constructiombut has for its primary object, a use inconnection withsunken or otherwise inoperative submerged vessels, suchfor example as submarines.

In the accompanying drawings, the reference numeral 5 represents aportion of the hull of a submarine of any desired construction. Inpractice, it ispreferred to employ one and preferably two or morehatchways or openings 6 in the hull of the vessel, leading to one ormore independent chambers thereof. In practice, each of the openings 6employed is provided with enlarged and strong and durable flange bodyportions 7 having a comparatively large recess 8 opening through theouter end thereof. The opening 6 is adapted to be closed by a cover 9having screws, bolts or other means 10, exposed externally for removingsaid cover.

The cover 9 seats upon agasket 11 whichmeans for coupling the improvedapparatus in connection therewith.

From the foregoing, it will be understood that the submarine or othersubmerged vessel will be built or constructed to suit the improvedapparatus or may be modified or repaired to adapt the same for such use.It is also preferred that the opening 6 be arranged at different pointswith reference, to the circumferential plane of the submarine, in orderto facilitate the gaining of admission to at least one of the rooms orcompartments thereof, regardless of the position assumed by the sunkenvessel.

The improved apparatus is preferably in the form of a cylindrical andcomparatively large tank, which might be termed a life saving booth.This apparatus will be constructed of suflicient strength to withstandthe pressures to which it is likely to be subjected, and caring for theworst possible conditions that may be experienced in the use ofapparatus of this type for the purposes stated. The top wall 14 of theapparatus is substantially flat in the construction shown, the sidewalls 15 being cylindrical and joining the bottom wall proper 16by'rounded corner portions 17 permitting the free flow of water by theapparatus in the operation of submerging the same. The bottom wall 16has a downwardly directed tubular body 18, which may be termed adistance piece, the chamber 19of which forms a passage placing thechamber 20 of the apparatus in communication with the chamber of thesubmarine, with which the opening 6 communi- Gates. In the constructionshown, the tubular extension 18 is preferably made elliptical in form asis also the flange body 7 and cover 9 and the recess 8 in the flangebody. However, the invention is not necessarily limited to thisformation.

The lower face of the tubular extension 18 is provided with an annulardove-tailed groove in which is seated a packing gasket 21 to form a sealbetween the extension 18 and the flange body 7. It is to be noted thatthe lower end of the extension 18 fits freely within the recess 8, andalso serves to guide said extension in the operation of coupling theapparatus with the submerged vessel. The diameter of the chamber 19 isgreater than the diameter of the cover 9 so as to permit the removal ofthe cover through said passage in the use of the apparatus.

Suitable means is provided for coupling the apparatus in connection withthe submarine to securely retain the apparatus in position and to form aseal between the same and the submarine. In the construction shown, thismeans consists of a plurality of turn buckles 22, pivotally coupledtothe exterior of the extension 18 as seen at 23. The free ends 24 ofsaid turnbuckles are hookshaped in form as seen in Fig. 1 of thedrawings and are adapted to engage the projecting flange 13 on theflange body 7 The bottom 16 of the apparatus is preferably provided withpro]ecting spring keepers 25, which are adapted to normally support theturn buckles 22' in a raised and inoperative position, but may bedetached from said clips by a diver by exerting downward pressurethereon.

There is employed a cover 26 which controls the communication betweenthe chambers 19 and 20. This cover is secured to the bottom wall 16 ofthe apparatus by screws, or other means 27, a suitable gasket 28 beingemployed to form a water and air tight connection, and the screws orother securing means are accessible from the chamber 20 of the apparatusfor purposes later described.

There is also employed means for sinking or submerging the apparatus,and in the construction shown, this is accomplished by providing asupplemental chamber 29 at the lower end portion of theapparatus andformed by supplemental side walls 15a'and a top Wall 30. An externalvalve 31 is adapted to' place the chamber 29 in communication with theexterior of the apparatus to allow for the inflow of water into thechamber 29. This operation is facilitated and may also be controlled byanother valve 32 at the upper end of the chamber 29 and opening into thechamber 20 of the apparatus, the latter valve being controlled fromwithin the apparatus.

There is also preferably provided the top wall 14 of the apparatus withan opening or man hole 33 normally closed by a cover 34 having securingmeans 35 controlled externally of the apparatus, the cover seating on asuitable gasket 36 to fit the desired "seal. The top wall is alsoprovided with a plurality of coupling rings or eyes 37, three or four ofwhich may be employed. These rings facilitate the attachment of a cableor other hoisting means therewith to permit the raising and lowering ofthe apparatus from an overhead control on a salvaging or other ship orvessel.

- It also preferably provides the side wall 15 of the'apparatus with anopening 38 which is closed by a suitable cover 39. This cover may insome uses of the apparatus, and when deemed desirable or advisable,include a number of pipes or tubes 10, 41, 42 and 43, each of which maybe used for a separate and independent purpose, such for example as thetransmission'of air for supply to and discharge from the chamber 20, thepassage of electric wires ,for lighting or for telephone connections,power or other purposes and the transmission of liquid foods, should theapparatus be used for an undue length of time when submerged for thepurpose of repair to the sunken vessel. In this instance, it may be'usedas a service apparatus through which-one or more workmen may pass fromthe chamber 20 into and out of the sunken vessel. It will be understoodthat the invention is not necessarily limited to'the use of the tubes orpipes 40 to 43 inclusive.

In apparatus of the class described, one of the principal and desirablefactors resides in the provision of a simple and lnost economicallyconstructed apparatus of the class under consideration which maybeoperated in the simplest, mostfool-proof andwill also be understood thatother supplies may be stored in the chamber 20 and including food, firstaid kits and the like, as these may be found necessary in the use ofapparatus of the class under consideration.

In the use of the improved apparatus, it will be understood that thecovers 26 and 34 are in proper position as well as the cover 39 closingall external communications to the chamber 20, the gasket 21 is inproper position, and the turn buckles 22 are in raised position and thevalve 31 is closed. The apparatus is now lowered into the water with 7preferably one but if desired two operators said turn bucklessu'fliciently to retain the within the chamberQO, together with a diverin the usual orany preferred formof diving suit, the diver holding ontoor otherwise descending with the apparatus and controlling the valve 31to regulate'theadmission of water into the chamber 29 to aid in sinkingthe apparatus and to maintain as near as possible, the desired submergedbuoyancy, facilitating the easy guiding of the apparatus, which is ofcourse majorly controlled by means on the salvaging or other vessel.

When adjacent one of the flange bodies 7 of the submerged vessel, thediver guides the tubular projection 18 into the recess 8 of said flangebody, and then lowers the turn buckles 22 one by one, and moves theminto engagement with the flange 13, tightening apparatus againstdisplacement from the vessel. lVhen all of the turn buckles have beenproperly positioned, they are drawn tightly in position to insureperfect sealing of the connection between the apparatus and the vessel,and a suitable tool may be used for this purpose, at which time, thediver signals to the operator or operators within the chamber 20 bytapping upon the hull of the apparatus or in any other desired manner,after whichthe cover 26 is removed by such operator and the water andpressure that may be contained within the chamber 19 Will pass to someextent into the chamber 20, after which the valve 12, which is nowaccessible, is opened, to release the pressure between the chambers 192Oand the chamber or compartment within the sunken vessel, after which thecover 9 is removed, and those within the compartment of the vessel maynow pass into the chamber 20. Then, the

cover 9 is again placed in position, the valve 12 closed, the cover 26placed in position and the diver is signalled to detach or uncouple theapparatus from the vessel, and the turn buckles 22 returned toengagement with the spring clips-25.

Upon signal from the diver, the apparatus may be raised and those withinthe compartment 20 may pass out, by releasing either of, the covers 26or 34, it being understood that only one of these covers need absolutelybe employed, but in the event of accident to anyone within the chamber20, as a measure of safety, the cover 34 is employed to permit of theexternal access to the chamber 20.

It will be understood that the apparatus,

including the chamber 20 thereof may be sufficiently large to receivethe'entire crew of a predetermined type of vessel; or on the other hand,the apparatus may be raised and lowered a number of times to rescue theentire crew. It will also be understood that the invention is notnecessarily limited to the specific use herein described, nor is itnecessarily limited to any of the structural details herein set out andvarious changes therein and modifications thereof may be made within thescope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of theinvention or sacrificing its advantages.

Having fully described the invention, what is claimed as new and desiredto secure by Letters Patent, is: i 1. A. submergible apparatus for usein conjunction with vessels having a hatchway in the hull thereof and aflanged ring encircling the hatchway, comprising -a large hollow body,an admission opening at the top thereof and a cover plate closing saidopening, a" reduced tubular extension projecting beyond the lower end ofsaid body, the chamber in said extension normally opening outwardlythrough the lower end thereof, a closure plate at the top of saidextension controlling the communication between said chamber and theinterior of said body, securing devices for said plate in'the interiorof said body. and means movably supported externally of and adjacent theupper end of said extension for detachably engaging the flanged ring onthe hull of the vessel in securely coupling the apparatus to the vessel.

2. A submergible apparatus for use in conjunction -with vessels having ahatchway in the hull thereof and a flanged ring encircling the hatchway,comprising a large hollow body, an admission opening at the top thereofthe interior of said body,

vthe lower end of said b and a cover plate closing said opening, areduced tubular extension rojecting beyond y, the chamber in saidextension normall opening outwardly through the lower end t ereof, aclosure plate at the top of said extension controlling the communicationbetween said chamber and securin devices forsaid plate in the interiorof said body, means movabl supported externally. of and adj acent theupper end of said extension for detachably en ging the flanged ring onthe hull of the vessel in securely coupling the apparatus to the vessel,and said means comprising coupling hooks including turnbuckle portions.

3. A submergible apparatus for use in conjunction with vessels havin ahatchway in the hull therwf and a flange ring encircling the hatchway,comprising alargehollowbody, a reduced tubular extension projecting beyond the lower end of said body, the chamber in said extensionnormallopening outwardly through the lower en thereof, a closure plate at thetop of said extension controlling the communication between said chamberand the interior of said body, securing devices for said plate in theinterior of said body, means movably supported externally of andadjacent the upper'end of said extension for detachably engaging theflanged ring on the hull of the vessel in securely coupling theapparatus to the vessel, and said means comprising coupling hooksincluding turnbuckle portions, and means for detachably supporting thefree ends of said coupling hooks in connection with the bottom of saidbody outwardly of said extension.

4. A submergible apparatus'for use in conjunction with vessels having ahatchway in the hull thereof and a flanged ring encircling the hatchway,comprising a large hollow, body, a reduced tubular extension projectingbeyond the lower end of said body, the chamber in said extensionnormally opening outwardly through the lower end thereof, a closureplate at the top of said extension controlling the communication betweensaid chamber and the interior of said body, securing devices for saidplate in the interior of said body, means movably supported externallyofsaid extension for detachably engaging the flange ring on the hull ofthe vessel in securely coupling the appa-' ratus to the vessel, aballast chamber arranged circumferentially of the lower end portion ofsaid hollow. body, and a valve operated externally of Said body forcontrolling {age admission of water into said ballast cham- 5. Anindependently submergible apparatus'for use in conjunction with sunkenvessels having a hatchway in the hull thereof, comprising a large'hollowbody, an admission openin at the top thereof and a cover closing saiopening, a rigid, reduced, tubular extension of substantially the samelen has diameter at the lower end of said y, the chamber in saidextension normally opening outwardl through the lower end thereof, aclosure p ate controllin between said hollow bo y and said chamber,securing devices on said plate in the interior of said body, andadjustable means for detachably' and substantially rigidly' securing theapparatus to the vessel as to position the hatchway within the chamberof said extension.

In testimony that 1 claim the foregoing as the invention of the saidHUGH J. FINN, and as his duly appointed and authorized admin,-istratrix, I hereunto sign my name this 2nd day of November, 1931.

ANNA MAY FINN, Administratfiw of Hugh J. Finn, Deceased.

the communication

